You’ve probably heard the laugh before. It’s loud, wheezing, and completely infectious—the kind of laugh that makes you start giggling even if you didn’t hear the joke. That’s Lou Wilson. If you've spent any time on the corner of the internet occupied by Dropout or late-night talk shows, you’ve seen him. But honestly, most people only know one "version" of Lou. Maybe you know him as the guy who shouts about "The Ball" in a D&D game, or maybe you recognize him as the announcer who replaced Dicky Barrett on Jimmy Kimmel Live! The reality is that Lou Wilson movies and tv shows cover a massive amount of ground. He’s not just a "D&D guy" or a "late-night guy." He’s a classically trained improviser from the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) who has successfully jumped from Netflix mockumentaries to big-budget Judd Apatow films. He’s the secret sauce in almost everything he touches.
The Roles You Didn't Realize Were Him
A lot of people have a "wait, that was Lou?" moment when looking back at his filmography. Take American Vandal, for instance. In the first season of Netflix's brilliant true-crime parody, Lou played Lucas Wiley. He wasn't the lead, but he was a vital part of the ensemble that made that high school world feel painfully real. It’s a subtle performance, totally different from the high-energy persona he brings to improv.
Then there’s The King of Staten Island. If you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out on Lou playing Richie, one of Pete Davidson’s core group of friends. It was a huge break for him. He’s talked in interviews about how terrifying it was to walk into a room with Judd Apatow and Pete Davidson, but he fit right in. He has this natural ability to play the "reliable best friend" without making the character feel like a cliché. Richie feels like a guy you actually grew up with.
He’s also popped up in:
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- The Guest Book: He played Frank as a series regular.
- Show Dogs: Yes, the talking dog movie. He was a security guard. We all have to start somewhere.
- Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot: A brief but solid appearance as an AA member alongside Joaquin Phoenix.
- Tween Fest: He played Dusty DelGrosso, which is a deep cut for early fans of his sketch work.
The Dropout Era: Where Lou Wilson Became a Legend
If we’re being real, the reason people search for Lou Wilson movies and tv shows today is largely because of Dimension 20. When Dropout (formerly CollegeHumor) launched their actual-play D&D show, Lou was one of the "Intrepid Heroes." Since 2018, he has arguably become the heart and soul of that table.
His range here is actually insane. In Fantasy High, he’s Fabian Aramais Seacaster, a high-status, slightly arrogant fighter who undergoes a massive, ego-shattering character arc. In A Crown of Candy, he plays King Amethar of House Rocks, a literal candy man who carries the weight of a dying kingdom on his shoulders. It’s genuinely moving acting. He makes you cry over a guy made of rock candy. That takes skill.
His chemistry with Brennan Lee Mulligan is the stuff of legend. They have this specific "director and actor" dynamic where Brennan will throw the most emotionally devastating scenarios at Lou, and Lou will just lean into the pain. If you want to see them at their best, check out Worlds Beyond Number. It’s a podcast, sure, but the storytelling is cinematic. Lou plays Eursulon, a spirit-turned-knight, and it’s some of the best character work in the medium.
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Why He’s the Voice of Late Night
In 2022, Lou took over as the permanent announcer and a writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live! This wasn't just a random hire. Lou had been writing for the show since 2020. Taking the mic after Dicky Barrett retired was a huge passing of the torch.
It’s a different kind of gig. It requires consistency and a very specific kind of professional energy. But if you watch the bits where Lou actually gets to interact with Jimmy, that UCB training shines through. He’s quick. He’s sharp. He knows how to play the "straight man" or the "chaos agent" depending on what the bit needs.
What's Next in 2026?
Lou isn't slowing down. As of early 2026, he’s still a mainstay in the tabletop world while expanding his voice-acting portfolio. He recently voiced Nydas Okiro in the animated Mighty Nein series, reprising a character he originally played in a Critical Role special, Exandria Unlimited: Calamity.
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He’s also leaned into his own projects, like his "Trauma Dump" livestreams, which are basically a masterclass in how to engage with a modern audience without feeling like a "content creator" robot. He feels authentic. That’s his whole brand.
How to actually watch his best work
If you're looking to dive into the Lou Wilson catalog, don't just go chronologically. Start with the stuff that shows off his range.
- Watch American Vandal Season 1 on Netflix for his grounded, scripted comedy.
- Get a Dropout subscription (it’s cheap) and watch Fantasy High: Sophomore Year. His character's breakdown and eventual growth is some of the best improv ever recorded.
- Check out The King of Staten Island to see him hold his own with Hollywood heavyweights.
- Listen to Worlds Beyond Number. If you think D&D is just for nerds, this will change your mind. It’s high-level audio drama.
Lou Wilson is one of those rare performers who is equally comfortable in a writers' room, on a movie set, or sitting at a table with a 20-sided die. He’s building a career that isn't defined by one genre, but by a specific kind of joyful, high-effort energy. If he’s in the credits, it’s usually worth the watch.